Tag: Sepang International Circuit

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Tourism Malaysia

A Pit Stop for Motorsports Fans

Motorsports fans can now make a pit stop for some rest and relaxation at Hype Motorsports Hotel Nilai, the first ever motorsports hotel concept in the world!

The hotel is located merely 15 minutes away from Malaysia’s heart of racing, the Sepang International Circuit and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), providing easy access for guests who are always on the go.

Legend Hollywood Twin

It has 75 motorsports-themed bedrooms for you to choose from, each complete with motorsports-inspired décor. Some rooms are themed around legends like Michael Schumacher and Valentino Rossi – so if you’re a die-hard fan of these racing celebrities, you can enjoy a good slumber with them in these rooms.

Unique interior decoration such as a mirror made of motorcycle tyres and a bucket seat chair — usually found in sport cars — at the desk in your hotel room are some of the thoughtful touches that pander to your love for racing!

And keeping the motorsport theme in mind, the hotel gives you access to motorsports satellite channels on your television so you wouldn’t miss any racing action from around the world.

For a small hotel, it does well in providing some nice standard facilities usually found in bigger properties – you’ll find an outdoor garden bar and a wading pool on the rooftop, perfect for private parties or those of you who are looking to drink in the sights of the beautiful sky. They’ll even throw in a free bike or car wash for some lucky guests!

At the Paddock Club, guests can enjoy delicious food cooked up by the hotel’s excellent chef. And not to worry, the café can be converted into an entertainment outlet if you are looking to hang out with your friends and family.

Motorsports fans can browse through the Motorsports Showroom near the lobby lounge to get a look at a selection of superbikes from some of the most recognisable brands in the industry. There is even the Pit Stop, a merchandise outlet where guests can pick up some basic riding and driving gears along with other motorsports-related souvenirs.

Though Hype Motorsports Hotel Nilai is technically located in Negeri Sembilan, it’s still well-connected to the heart of Kuala Lumpur city via the well-paved highways. Those into shopping can drive down to Mitsui Outlet Park and Nilai 3 – where you can get branded goods at the former and wholesale items at the latter. The Kuala Lumpur International Airport and sister KLIA2 for low-cost carrier flights, are also nearby. In fact, Putrajaya the administrative capital of Malaysia is merely a 20-minute drive away, where you can admire the beautiful architecture of government buildings and bridges, take in the greenery of the various parks, enjoy a spot of birdwatching at its wetlands, or simply reflect by the lakeside.

For more information, please visit www.hypenilai.com

 

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Tourism Malaysia

Rocking out in Malaysia: Rockaway Festival 2016 

By Vishnu Krishnan  

Are you ready to have your minds blown this October? Malaysia’s biggest rock festival is back in the form of the insanely successful Rockaway franchise after a three-year hiatus.

Crunching guitars, edgy vocals and explosive drums are the themes of Rockaway, paying homage to punk rock, metal, heavy metal and rock and roll.

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The First Wave! (29th/30th October)

(Source: http://www.rojakdaily.com/entertainment/article/771/scorpions-wolfmother-and-taking-back-sunday-to-headline-malaysia-s-rockaway-festival)

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The saga continues on the 19th!

(Source: http://rockawayfest.com/the-saga-continues/)

Over the years, the Rockaway stages have seen the likes of internationally celebrated acts such as Soulfly, The Used, Underoath, Story Of The Year, MxPx All Stars, Sum 41 and Paramore.

 

Some of the best Malaysian homegrown acts have also graced the stages, such as Koffin Kanser, Love Me Butch,Hujan and Bunkface.

 

The event, organised by Livescape Group, is on October 29-30 at Sepang International Circuit with the grand finale on November 19 at Extreme Park. The moshpit will be an estimated 10,000 strong, so you better start working on your power rock stance and head-banging skills now.

 

“Rock you like a hurricane”! Yes, that’s exactly what Scorpions will be doing at Rockaway this year. The German legends will be among the international headlines at Sepang this year – ready to fan the flames of rock with their ballads.

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All hail the legendary Scorpions!

(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scorpions_(band))

 

Among the other major international acts this year includes Australian rockers, Wolfmother, The Darkness, Taking Back Sunday and Third Eye Blind. These heavyweights of the rock scene will leave you screaming for more.

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Aussie rock gods!

(Source: http://www.shauntmax30.com/group/wolfmother/)

 

The local acts are not ones to live in the shadows of their international counterparts. Local giants of the industry such as Wings, Butterfingers, Zainal Abidin, Hujan, OAG, One Buck Short and the Alleycats will be on stage belting out their classics.

 

Some of the younger but equally impressive local acts will show you what the youth of the nation represent. The popular Son Of A Policeman (SOAP) is definitely a band look out for. Our very own metal champions, Artefacts will also be raising heartbeats on the day.

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Son of A Policeman is the epitomy of Malaysian pop rock.

(Source: http://www.tunestudios.com/2014/06/30/congratulations-son-of-a-policeman/)
Malaysia’s neighbours will also make their presence felt with The Summer State from Singapore and The Changcuters from Indonesia.

 

Last but not least, we will see our superb local act; Deja Voodoo Spells of progressive metal, collaborating with the virtuoso and ex-guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal and the 11 Piece Book Of Spells Orchestra to create some extremely powerful tunes.

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Bumblefoot is literally a blaze of guitar madness!

(Source: https://koreaguitar1.wordpress.com/2015/04/23/20-questions-with-ron-bumblefoot-thal/)

For ticket purchases and more information check out the link below. See you on the fields of rock and roll!
Ticketing link: http://galactix.asia/rockawayfest

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Motorsport month in Malaysia

By Lloyd Green

 

  • F1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix
  • Shell Malaysia MotoGP

 

Buckle up and start your engines for motorsport heaven this October. With the F1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix and Shell Malaysia MotoGP both held at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) this month, we’ve provided a non-stop guide of what to expect at both events.

The grid coming out of the first corner at Sepang — f1destinations.com

The grid coming out of the first corner at Sepang — f1destinations.com

With an exciting cluster of events throughout the race week, including a demo run, auto carnival, fan engagement programmes with the drivers and a spectacular post-race concert, the newly redefined F1 Malaysia GP is not to be missed.

Since its entry to the F1 race calendar in 1999, the Malaysian GP has evolved into the most anticipated races of the year. Moving from it’s traditional home of March to October to form a unique Southeast Asia F1 double-header with the Singapore GP in mid-September, the Malaysian GP now holds a key role in deciding the championship.

Families looking forward to soaking up the thrills at SIC can enjoy an improved family friendly activity at the circuit with the ever popular X-track returning on popular demand, showcasing motorsports themed thrills such as drifting, rallying, go-karting, ATV rides and more, for fans of all ages.

2015 Malaysia GP winner Sebastian Vettel — www.formula1.com

2015 Malaysia GP winner Sebastian Vettel — www.formula1.com

Track:

  • The Sepang Circuit is infamous for its unpredictable weather ranging from burning hot days to full-blown tropical rainstorms which result in tough races and edge of your seat moments.
  • The track design is unique and challenging as it has seven clear straights and many narrow turns making it one of the most technical circuits on the calendar. The relatively wider track also affords drivers overtaking opportunities that are rarely seen elsewhere.

Schedule:

  • Friday, 30th Sept — Free Practice
  • Saturday, 1st Oct — Qualifying
  • Sunday, 2nd Oct — F1 Malaysia GP After-Race Concert with Usher

Race:

  • The dominance by Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team has continued in 2016 with Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg dominating standings.
  • A win for either driver in Malaysia could prove vital heading into the last five races.
  • Defending Malaysian GP champion, Germany’s Sebastian Vettel will be hoping to spoil the party again.

Usher returns to Malaysia for the first time since 2010

Usher returns to Malaysia for the first time since 2010

Entertainment:

  • Multi-Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Usher will be performing at the After-Race Concert.
  • Past performers to grace the After-Race stage at Sepang include Jamiroquai and Lenny Kravitz.
  • Raceday activities also include classic car convoy, supercar convoy and airshow.

Tickets:

  • There are various ticket packages for the F1 Malaysia GP on offer. Click Here
  • You can buy a transportation add-on that will take you to and from SIC to KL Sentral.

Great vantage point from Sepang’s iconic stands

Great vantage point from Sepang’s iconic stands

Shell Malaysia MotoGP

Held just four weeks later is the Shell Malaysia MotoGP. Fans can expect an even bigger and better event in 2016, with off-track entertainment, fan engagement with riders and other exciting activities. Tickets are selling through the roof with local interest firmly on young gun Khairul Idham Pawi who has won trice in his rookie season in the Moto3 championship. Also flying the Malaysian flag will be Adam Norrodin (Moto3) and Hafizh Syahrin (Moto2).

 Track:

  • With four slow corners following two long straights and ten medium to high-speed corners. Particularly favourable to overtaking manoeuvres and plenty of open throttle.
  • Has one of the longest laps in MotoGP and is made all the more gruelling for riders by intense heat and humidity.

Schedule:

  • Friday, 28th Oct — Moto3, Moto2, MotoGP Free Practice
  • Saturday, 29th Oct— Moto3, Moto2, MotoGP Qualifying

Sunday, 30th Oct — Moto3, Moto2, MotoGP

All eyes will by on Malaysia’s Khairul Idham Pawi — http://i-moto.com.my/

All eyes will by on Malaysia’s Khairul Idham Pawi — http://i-moto.com.my/

Tickets:

  • There are various ticket packages for the F1 Malaysia GP on offer. Click Here
  • You can buy a transportation add-on that will take you to and from SIC to KL Sentral.

Getting to Sepang International Circuit is relatively easy. It’s located about 15km from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA and KLIA2) and about 50km south from the Kuala Lumpur City Centre. SIC has a hotel, shopping centre and golf course. There will also be shuttle buses operating from KL Sentral to Sepang on both Sept 30 to Oct 1 and Oct 28 to Oct 30.

For more information on both events go to www.sepangcircuit.com

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Race the Best at the Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix

Race the Best at the Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix

The Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix race is the highlight of the international car racing circuit. Thousands of loyal fans are attracted annually to the race which has been held at the Sepang International Circuit since 1999, owing to the continuing popularity of the 56 lap 192.878 mile race.

The predecessor to the Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix was the Formula 2 which was held from 1962 – 65, but it was held in Singapore who later gained independence from the Malaysian Federation, so during the break-up of the Federation Malaysia held four lower impact races at the Shah Alam circuit from 1968 until 1995 when the current race track was opened in Sepang. These were the Tasman Series, Formula Pacific, Formula Atlantic, and the Formula Holden.

Formula 1 action at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia. Pic: Craig, WikiMedia Commons.

Formula 1 action at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia. Pic: Craig, WikiMedia Commons.

The Sepang International Circuit, where the Formula 1 race is held, is located just 60 kilometres from the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, and is situated only 10 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Selangor State. The circuit was designed by a German named Hermann Tilke in 1995, who also designed the Shanghai, Turkish, Bahrain, India, Korea, Valencia, and Singapore circuits which are also in the Formula 1 race calendar. The Sepang circuit is famous for its short and tight hairpin and unusually long back straight.

Crowds arrive at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, on race day. Pic: Craig, WikiMedia Commons.

Crowds arrive at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, on race day. Pic: Craig, WikiMedia Commons.

Petronas (Malaysian: Petroliam Nasional Berhad), the Malaysian national oil and gas company, has sponsored the Malaysian Grand Prix since its inauguration into the racing calendar since 1999. The energy company finances the upkeep of the track and the spectator stands, they supply the oil and petroleum for the racing cars, and they are responsible for the security of the race.

The most famous racer at the Malaysian Grand Prix of all time was John MacDonald who won races in the years of 1970, 1971, 1973, and 1975. John was English born but moved to live in Hong Kong during his national service, where he continued to live and set up a garage business which made him successful and allowed him to become a successful racer also.

The most successful racing team to compete in the Malaysian Grand Prix is Ferrari thanks to the successes of Michael Schumacher in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2008, and 2012.

Michael Schumacher pictured at the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix. Pic: Whiz Kris, Flickr.

Michael Schumacher pictured at the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix. Pic: Whiz Kris, Flickr.

The annual race, held every year towards the end of March, attracts approximately 50,000 spectators from all around the world, some just to see their favourite racing star, but others to feel the excitement and exhilaration of the head to head race between man and man, country and country, sponsor and sponsor.

Most Formula 1 racers unanimously agree that the Malaysian Grand Prix is by far the most stress inducing and physically demanding race in the whole Formula 1 calendar. Temperatures are torturous and regularly reach 30 degrees Celsius and when combined with the humidity, which is rarely lower than 75%, the climate alone drains all drivers of energy even before putting in any effort to race. Malaysia, but Kuala Lumpur in particular, is famous for its unexpected heavy rain downpours which often disrupt the car racing, causing crashes and severe car damage.

The actual race track has been called “the most environmentally friendly race track in the world” by various commentators because of its abundance of palm trees. The track was built on a former 260 hectare palm oil plantation, so to compensate for the loss of plants the owners planted hundreds of palm trees around the race track, spectator’s stands, and spectator’s recreation areas.

In the latest Malaysian Grand Prix, the 2012 season, which was held on 25th March, the leader of the driver’s championship, Fernando Alonso with his Ferrari team, came first after a breathtaking and sometimes risky race. Just 2.2 seconds behind Alonso was the less well known Sergio Perez with his Sauber team, and then came the former world champion Lewis Hamilton and the McLaren-Mercedes not long after. It made for an unforgettable race in the beautiful country of Malaysia.

Many people, especially those coming from Europe and the Americas combine watching the Malaysia Formula 1 Grand Prix with a relaxing holiday elsewhere in the country. The Malaysian Government praises this as it brings in much needed tourism income in the form of taxes, shop purchases, transport income, and accommodation income. Kuala Lumpur International Airport as the country’s main airport is also kept busy during the races. The Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix could be an unforgettable experience, so why not give it a try and book your tickets in time for the next race?

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2011

October 21, 2011 at 2:00 pm

Calling all Grand Prix motorcycle racing fans! Get ready to catch your favourite riders in action once again as the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix will be taking place at the Sepang International Circuit from 20th till 23rd October 2011. This premier motorcycling race will see one of Malaysia’s best riders, Muhammad Zulfahmi Khairuddin in action to do battle on his home grand prix. He will be accompanied by his team mates, Johann Zarco, who is currently holding the second place in the 125 cc standings and Efren Vazquez.

Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2011

There are many exciting activities lined up for MotoGP fans during this four-day event. Fans of Fahmi can catch their idol for an autograph session on 22nd October at the Mall Area (F Grandstand) from 11.30 am to 12.00 pm and from 2.45 pm till 3.15 pm. Another autograph session with all of the MotoGP riders will take place on 22nd October as well from 12.00 pm to 1.00 pm at the SIC Welcome Centre. Also present to bring up the heat on the racing tracks is Paul Van Dyk, who will entertain the masses at the Evolution World Tour Concert at Helipad A on 22nd October from 7.00 pm onwards. Do not forget to catch the race on the 23rd October, starting from 1.00 pm with the 125cc motorbikes, followed by the Moto2 class at 2.15 pm and the MotoGP class at 4.00 pm. For more information on ticket prices or programmes, please log on to their website here.

Photo (c) GOGO Visual

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